The larval stage of taeniid cestodes, called the cysticercus, develops in the intermediate host from the oncosphere. The infection caused by cysticerci is called cysticercosis. Man is the only definitive host of two adult cestode species. One of them is the cestode Taenia solium Linne, 1758. Its larva is called Cysticercus cellulosae developing mostly in the muscles of swine. The other is Taeniarhynchus saginatus Goeze, 1782 and its larva Cysticercus bovis (C. inermis) develops in the muscles of cattle. Man can carry a cysticercus being its intermediate host, and suffer from cysticercosis. Because cysticerci are localized in the muscles of livestock, various measures have to be taken to prevent an infection of man with the adult cestode. These include a very strict inspection of the carcasses at the abattoir, a special treatment of infected meat or a certificate declaring it unfit for human consumption. The incidence of hu- man tapeworms, being still relatively high in the population, can be controlled suc- cessfully only by a comprehensive programme of eradication of muscle cysticercosis.
There is no exact information available on fundamental processes in the biology of the cysticercus such as its development, its initial growth in the muscles, its meta- bolism, the length of its life, the reaction of the host, the possibility of spontaneous healing. Such knowledge is not only of theoretical importance, but indispensable for successful control of the parasites and for the serological diagnosis of cysticercosis.

Click & Collect

Simply reserve online and pay at the counter when you collect.
Available in shop from just two hours, subject to availability.

Thank you for your reservation

Your order is now being processed and we have sent a confirmation email to you at

This item can be requested from the shops shown below. If this item isn't available to be reserved nearby, add the item to your basket instead and select 'Deliver to my local shop' at the checkout, to be able to collect it from there at a later date.

First name*

Last name*

Email address*

Preferred contact method

EmailText message

Mobile number*

Please provide me with your latest book news, views and details of Waterstones’ special offers.

When will my order be ready to collect?

Following the initial email, you will be contacted by the shop to confirm that your item is available for collection.

Call us on or send us an email at

Unfortunately there has been a problem with your order

Please try again or alternatively you can contact your chosen shop on or send us an email at